China has initiated a Level-IV emergency response in Hainan Province as Typhoon Kajiki, the 13th typhoon of 2023, approaches the region. The Ministry of Emergency Management confirmed the activation of flood and typhoon protocols Saturday, with forecasters warning of intensifying winds and heavy rainfall through Sunday.
Meteorological authorities reported the typhoon's center was located 650 km east of Sanya City at 11 a.m. local time, moving westward at 25 km/h. The National Meteorological Center issued a yellow alert, predicting potential landfall or coastal impact near southern Hainan by Sunday evening.
The State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters deployed specialized teams to coordinate relief efforts, part of China's four-tier emergency response system where Level IV represents the initial alert stage. Coastal regions including the Xisha and Zhongsha Islands are expected to experience torrential rains, with authorities urging residents to prepare for possible flooding.
This development comes as Hainan, a key tropical tourism and trade hub, balances storm preparedness with maintaining economic activity. The typhoon's path could impact shipping lanes in the South China Sea, a vital corridor for global commerce.
